Sonoma County’s Fourth Annual Trail Challenge Kicks Off June 3rd with Fun Run, Party

>Free Event Celebrates Regional Parks’ 50^th Anniversary and National Trails Day

Sonoma County Regional Parks kicks off its fourth-annual Trails Challenge on Saturday, June 3, with a fun run and party that also celebrates Regional Parks’ 50^th anniversary and National Trails Day. The free event takes place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Ragle Ranch Regional Park, 500 Ragle Road, in Sebastopol and features a run/walk sponsored by Fleet Feet, a family-friendly scavenger hunt, guided hike, live music, nature crafts, lawn games, barbecue, foods from local producers, cake, prizes, and giveaways.

Co-sponsored by Whole Foods Market and the Regional Parks Foundation, participants also include REI, Sonoma County Library, Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation & Open Space District, LandPaths, KRSH, Sonoma County Animal Services, Sonoma County Bicycle Coalition, Sebastopol Community Center, Center for Climate Protection, St. Joseph’s iWALK, and other community groups.

The run/walk starts at 10 a.m., with the other activities taking place throughout the day. Parking is $7 or free for Regional Parks members.

Fun Run/Walk: Registration for the 1.5 mile run/walk is $10 for adults and kids 12 and under, with proceeds going to the Regional Parks Foundation to benefit the parks. Sign up: https://www.signmeup.com/site/reg/register.aspx?fid=GB2VBH7

Bike Ride: Join Sonoma County Bicycle Coalition leaders on a 9 a.m. ride to the park from Sebastopol Community Center, 390 Morris St. The ride will keep a family-friendly pace for 2.5 miles, with no one left behind. Helmets and bikes required – please no bikes with training wheels or scoot bikes. Minors must be accompanied by an adult. Ride route: http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=7068156.

Sonoma County Trails Challenge

The Sonoma County Trails Challenge is an annual program inviting residents and visitors to discover the beauty of Sonoma County and the healthy fun of trail sports by hiking, biking, running, or riding five or more parks featured in a free, downloadable trails guidebook any time from June through September. The guidebook features seven new hikes for 2017 and themed itineraries, including an all-park challenge of more than 50 miles.

Finishers who turn in an online trails log will get a Trails Challenge T-shirt, and children also get a free nature-themed book from the Sonoma County Library. Finishers who post Trails Challenge photos with #SonomaCountyParks #TrailsChallenge also are eligible for monthly giveaways of park memberships and REI trail gear.

To start the Trails Challenge, download the guidebook from the Trails Challenge page. A limited number of print copies will be available beginning June 1 at staffed entries to Spring Lake and Ragle Ranch parks and Regional Parks' office, 2300 County Center Drive, Suite 120A, in Santa Rosa.

Trails Challenge and National Trails Day

National Trails Day is celebrated the first Saturday of June with events promoting America's trail networks. The Regional Parks include more than 150 miles of trails throughout Sonoma County, including the Sonoma Valley, Russian River, and Sonoma Coast. The Trails Challenge invites participants to explore these landscapes on their own, with family, with friends, with their dogs, or as part of guided outings.

The Trails Challenge is supported by the Sonoma County Regional Parks Foundation with sponsorship from REI Co-Op, Whole Foods Market, Green Valley Consulting Engineers, EBA Engineering, Spring Lake Village, Pacific Foundation for Medical Care, Sonoma County Public Library Foundation, Shutterbug Camera Shops, and the Sonoma County Water Agency.

Sonoma County Regional Parks is celebrating its 50^th anniversary throughout 2017 with special events, programs, and activities. Established in 1967, the Regional Parks system today includes 56 parks, beaches, trails, and campgrounds throughout Sonoma County. Regional Parks’ mission is to create healthy communities and contribute to the county’s economic vitality by acquiring, developing, managing, maintaining parks. Regional Parks preserves natural and cultural resources and offers opportunities for recreation and education that enhance the quality of life and well-being of residents and visitors.